Cairns draws travelers with its stunning natural beauty, tropical climate, and perfect location near the Great Barrier Reef. For those exploring this part of paradise by caravan, finding the right park can make all the difference between a good holiday and an exceptional one.

The city’s top caravan parks offer more than just a place to park your home on wheels. Modern facilities, sparkling pools, and tropical gardens create an oasis where you can unwind after a day of adventure. Many parks sit just minutes from popular attractions, letting you maximize your holiday time without spending hours on the road.

From beachfront spots where you’ll wake up to ocean views, to parks nestled in quiet suburbs with plenty of shade trees, Cairns has options for every type of traveler. Here are the five best caravan parks in Cairns that you need to visit for a relaxed tropical atmosphere.

5 Best Caravan Parks in Cairns

1- Tasman Holiday Parks

Google Rating: 4.4

Tasman Holiday Parks stands as a tropical paradise nestled among rainforest and mountains, just seven minutes from the Cairns city center.

Visitors can unwind in the refreshing swimming pool or relax in the soothing spa after a day of adventure.

The most amazing things about this caravan park are its freshwater creek, home to playful platypus and turtles, making wildlife watching a daily delight.

Families particularly enjoy the well-maintained playground and indoor recreation room, while the on-site cafe serves up tasty treats for those who don’t feel like cooking.

2- NRMA Cairns Holiday Park

Google Rating: 4.1

For those seeking a coastal experience, NRMA Cairns Holiday Park delivers with its stunning saltwater pool and proximity to the famous Cairns Esplanade.

What sets this park caravan apart is its community atmosphere, fostered by shared spaces like the free herb and vegetable garden where guests can pick fresh ingredients for their meals.

The park’s location makes it an ideal base for reef adventures, with helpful staff at the tour desk ready to arrange unforgettable Great Barrier Reef experiences.

3- Malanda Falls Caravan Park

Google Rating: 4.5

At number 3 on our best caravan park in Cairns list, we have Malanda Falls Caravan Park which offers a completely different experience in the cool Cairns Highlands.

This hidden gem sits beside the picturesque Malanda Falls, where guests can take a refreshing dip just 300 meters from their site.

The surrounding virgin rainforest acts as natural air conditioning, creating a comfortable environment year-round.

If you love wildlife, you will be thrilled by regular sightings of the rare Lumholtz Tree Kangaroo and countless bird species that call this area home.

Also Read: Best Seafood Restaurants in Cairns

4- Upper Davies Creek Camping Area

Google Rating: 4.4

Nestled in the wet eucalypt forests west of Cairns, Upper Davies Creek Camping Area offers a genuine Australian bush camping experience with a fascinating historical twist.

This tranquil spot, once a bustling gold mining site in the 1900s, now welcomes nature lovers to its peaceful surroundings. The area’s pristine waters and diverse wildlife make it a standout destination for outdoor lovers.

What sets this campground apart is its thoughtful layout of eight designated sites split into two distinct groups, offering campers both privacy and community. You’ll often spot curious wallabies and rare bettongs hopping around at dusk, adding to the authentic bush experience.

While you’ll also find basic amenities like clean toilets and wood-fired BBQs, the real luxury lies in the surrounding natural beauty. Towering eucalyptus trees provide welcome shade, and well-maintained hiking trails lead to spectacular lookouts and hidden waterfalls.

5- Lake Placid Rainforest Retreat

Google Rating: 4.5

Just a stone’s throw from Cairns, Lake Placid Rainforest Retreat offers an enchanting blend of comfort and wilderness across its sprawling 14-acre property.

This retreat stands out for its prime location – bordered by the serene Barron River Gorge National Park on one side and the crystal-clear Lake Placid on the other, while still keeping you close to major attractions.

The retreat caters to all camping styles, from budget-friendly tent sites to spacious caravan spots with modern amenities.

The recently renovated facilities include a well-equipped camp kitchen, sparkling saltwater pool, and spotless amenities block.

What really makes this place special is its lush tropical setting – you’ll feel immersed in nature while enjoying creature comforts like free WiFi and laundry services.

The friendly staff here go above and beyond, helping guests plan their adventures to nearby attractions like the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or Great Barrier Reef tours.